European leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in insisting that all talks to end the war in Ukraine must begin with a freezing of the current front lines, warning that Russia is not serious about peace.
In a statement signed by 11 leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, they stated that they "strongly support" the position of US President Donald Trump that "fighting must stop immediately and that the current line of contact must be the starting point for negotiations". The decision to insist on a ceasefire and negotiations based on the existing line of contact is perceived as a critical moment in the ongoing conflict. The leaders' reaction reflects the growing conviction that decisive action is needed to stop the bloodshed and prevent further suffering.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday rejected the idea of stopping the conflict on the current line of contact. His comments raise serious questions about Moscow's true intentions and whether the Kremlin is sincere in its desire for a settlement. Some observers believe that Lavrov's rejection of the proposal to freeze the front line underlines Russia's ambition to achieve additional territorial gains, calling into question the prospects for a just and lasting peace.
Lavrov said that Moscow is only interested in a "long-term, sustainable peace", implying that freezing the front line would only be a temporary ceasefire. This position suggests that Russia sees a ceasefire as a tactical move, not as a basis for resolving the conflict. His statement raises questions about Moscow's willingness to engage in serious negotiations and to reach an agreement that would ensure lasting stability in the region.